Family Bible Night Overall Theme

“My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand.” (John 10:27-28)

Jesus Christ is the Good Shepherd. Through the Word he speaks to his sheep, giving them the spiritual food they need for their spiritual well-being. In his Word, we find the promises of how the Good Shepherd laid down his life for us and the blessings we receive in him alone. In his Word, we find how we as his sheep follow after him, living as those who have been made a part of his flock.

Series 1: Called by Christ (Sept 9-Oct 6)

Theme

The voice of the Good Shepherd does more than just provide good morality or a sensible philosophy. The voice of the Good Shepherd is powerful, life-giving, life-changing. The Good Shepherd graciously extends his invitation to all to come and be a part of his flock. By the power of his Word, people are brought to faith and brought into his sheep pen. That same voice, having called them to faith, calls his sheep to live as his people out in the world. This month, we’ll how our Savior calls us, and to what tasks he calls us.

Group Studies

Sept 9th: “Is it really my choice?” (John 1:35-42)

Sept 23rd: “Jesus gives my life real meaning” (Luke 5:1-11)

Series 2: Perceiving His Power (Oct 7-Nov 3)

Theme

As true God, Jesus, our Good Shepherd, wielded Godly power. As we look at how Jesus used his power on earth, it helps us understand how he uses that same power now for us.

Group Studies

Oct 7th: “Should I be afraid of the supernatural?” (Luke 8:26-39)

Oct 21st: “Does Jesus care when I’m experiencing heartbreak?” (Luke 7:11-17)

Series 3: Waiting for His Return (Nov 4-Dec 1)

Theme

Jesus said he would come back again. While we rejoice at that fact, we are left with some questions. When? How? Who? As we listen to our Shepherd speak in his word, we are given answers to those very questions, peace in the knowledge of how he will return, and the encouragement to stay ready until he does return.

Group Studies

Nov 4th: “Jesus us when and how he will return” (Acts 1:9-11; Mat 25:14-30)

Children- Acts 1:9-11

Teens and Adults- Matthew 24:36-41

Nov 18th: “Waiting means doing” (Matthew 25:14-30)

Series 4: Reclining at the Manger (Dec 2-Jan 5)

Theme

The great Lutheran hymn writer, Paul Gerhardt, described Jesus’ manger as “a paradise at which I am reclining.” As we listen to all of the promises, the announcements, and the events that took place before and on that first Christmas, our Shepherd reveals to us how much of a paradise it really is in seeing our Savior, the Word made flesh, who was born for you and for me.

Group Studies

Dec 2nd: “Yes, you need a Savior” (Genesis 3:1-15)

Dec 16th: “Genealogies are not boring” (Matthew 1)

Children- Matthew 1:18-25

Teens and adults- Matthew 1

Series 5: At the Teacher’s Feet (Jan 6-Feb 2)

Theme

“God gave you two ears and one mouth for a reason”. Did an adult ever tell you that growing up? As much as it may have made us want to roll our eyes at the time, it really is good advice. Before we speak, our Good Shepherd would have us listen. But what he wants us to hear isn’t just a lecture, it is his life-giving Word. That Word creates and effects faith, sustains and encourages, and builds us up in the knowledge of the grace of our God. Like Mary, we sit at the feet of our Savior to listen to what the great Teacher would have us know.

Group Studies

Jan 6th: ““Your faith is not just ‘your business’” (Matthew 18:1-35)

Children- Matthew 18:21-35

Teens and adults- Matthew 18:1-35

Jan 20th: “Baptism isn’t just an act” (John 3:1-15)